5/10/2011

FROCK TO THIS STORE

The first store on my New England tour is Frock. A place, I know my readers will love. It is small clothing boutique shared by Trish Ginter and Laura William-Larson. Two amazing independent designers who have a love for fashion. Trish left the Big Apple and Laura left San Francisco for the small town charm of Chester, CT. However, they did not give up their fashion sense or big city ways. They brought a little hip and cool into a much needed area. They have created quite a following with the locals and make everything “in house”. Both have their own blogs Whosiepie by Laura and MerGirl by Trisha which, are a must read for those that love fashion, creativity, and up-cycling (a term they use where they take materials, recycle and repurpose them to create an upscale garment). I encourage you to check them out. The store is tiny but has a mighty presence. When you first step in, you feel like you’re in a showroom at the mart, viewing samples for buyers for hip trendy LA boutiques. Step to the right and you are instantly transported to a cutting room where the designers create their magic. Spools of thread decorate the windows, sewing machines are off to one side, a large cutting table sits in the middle of the room with lots of fabric samples strewn below. If you see something you like, but maybe the color or fabric is not quite what your looking for or you need another size, just peek below the cutting table and the girls will help you find something that will work for you and like magic make you a new one.

I witnessed this myself when a neighboring boutique designer (being featured tomorrow) walked in as I was shopping. I couldn’t help but over hear her talking about the blouse (made by the Frock girls) she was wearing and how much she liked it. It looked like a modern day top, paired with two necklaces from her own jewelry line, which was on display two doors down. The girls suggested, I pop in and see her trunk show. As I was browsing, she was trying on a jacket, which was mixed with denim and another fabric on top, the shape was fitted and tied at the waist. Well, it screamed my style. We all started talking and I found out, she buys pieces from them all the time. She was very sweet and said since you live in LA, try it on and if you like it, go ahead and take it because they can make me another one. I couldn’t do that. Therefore, I just tried it on for size and Trish said she could do something similar and showed me some fabric pairings (she likes to mix fabrics). I told her I’m a simple girl and she pulled out some creme fabric and it was just perfect. How’s that for custom work? They make everything from grocery bags, yoga bags to tops and dresses. They do it all. If you can’t get to Chester, not to fret, they have found a way to reach the masses. You can find their designs on www.frockshoppe.com and Smashing Darling, a website that was co-created by Laura, for independent fashion designers, as a way to feature their designs across the U.S.

Trish (see below), one of the owners.

Love the vintage wood ironing board in the center of the room.

This is similar to the style of a top I purchased when I was in the store. Similar design but different fabric.

Additional designs below by the Frock Girls (see below).

Look at this lovely hand dyed gauze dress. So sweet for spring or summer.

I picture someone with tousled hair in a wide brimmed straw hat paired with simple flat sandals wearing this knit stretch crochet lace dress or for anyone attending Megan’s (beachbungalow8) hubby’s Walk With Sally's White Light Event, you can kick it up a notch and pair it with some strappy high heels.

This sweater just feels so cozy. Perfect for those Connecticut winters.

She recycled two wool sweaters to create this skirt. Isn’t this genius? I picture this with a cool pair of Frye boots and a simple cashmere top. Reminds me of something my friend Quinn would wear.

This is the jacket I was telling you about. The cut worked perfect for me. I like things fitted. Can’t wait to see the one she is making me in all creme/ivory.

They had told me about the one they did over the holidays in all creme with the frayed edges and of course, I found a photo in their portfolio. Mine will be similar to this. Perfect for LA. Throw it on with a pair of jeans, some chunky jewelry a pair of heels and your off, looking cute as can be.

This reminded me of a Pucci Dress. Fun, whimsical, but I could see it paired with high heel boots or a pair of great strappy sandals. I love the cowl neckline.

If you’re visiting the shoreline of Connecticut, make sure to stop in and meet Trish and Laura. Not only are they talented but super sweet. Check out their blogs as well. I’m so happy that they have chosen our little town to spread their wings. Makes going home feel good, knowing, I can get a little fashion in Chester, CT without being swallowed up by Lilly Pulitzer.